7th Middle East International Motorshow flagged off

They were accompanied by an entourage of prominent personalities including DWTC Director General Mubarak bin Fahad and members of the Board of Directors of the DWTC.

The sheikhs were taken on a comprehensive tour of the exhibition that takes up the entire sprawling length of the new-look DWTC Complex and spills over onto the concourse that links the exhibition halls with the Sheikh Rashid Hall. They viewed the latest in concept cars, preview models, eye-catching showstoppers and new launches slated for the market by leading manufacturers, designers and tuners.

Impressed by the multi-faceted display, the sheikhs took their time in examining the various aspects of the show and spoke to many of the exhibitors and participants.

"This edition of the Motorshow is a pathbreaker in more ways than one, " said DWTC Director General Mubarak bin Fahad. "The show has registered a 23 per cent rise in the number of exhibitors and a tremendous 45 per cent surge in nett floor space sold," Mr bin Fahad added.

"Bringing together over 600 companies from all over the world under one roof, the event has gained in significance and scope rapidly over the years to become the most sought after platform for leading manufacturers, designers, customers and tuners to showcase their wares in the region and beyond," Mr bin Fahad said. " With Dubai being ideally placed at the hub of a region that is known for its high-spending potential and passion for cars, it is not surprising that the Motorshow has become the most definitive of its kind in the region with its capability to reach and influence about 2 billion potential consumers stretching from North and East Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia. " he added.

This year's Motorshow features a host of manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, Ferrari, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Maserati, Porsche, Pagani, Land Rover, Toyota, Volvo, Volkswagen, Audi, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Peugeot to name a few showcasing automobiles as well as displaying global motoring trends to this part of the world. Renowned automobile manufacturers at the show will also unveil futuristic concept cars and prototype vehicles.

The show also features the Motor Parts, Accessories & MotorPlus 2003 as a dedicated section for the automotive aftermarket sector.

This year's edition of the Motorshow also marks the Middle East debut of the 4x4 off-road-circuit that will provide a one of its kind demonstration circuit covering an area of up to 4,000 sq.m. The circuit will be an interactive feature that will provide exhibitors with an attractive and effective prospect to introduce their cars to the end user for test drives and thereby help boost sales.

Double European Supertruck Racing champions Buggyra will also be exhibiting their supercharged streamlined monster machines at the show and represent part of the DWTC's ongoing effort to bring a brand new and more rewarding experience to those attending the event. The trucks add a new facet to the show that is reinforcing its position as the most definitive event of its kind in the region.

Super truck racing brings all the thrills and spills associated with the more well known Formula One and NASCAR circuits and adds to it the awe-inspiring sight of huge supercharged trucks careening and manoeuvering around the circuit at mind-boggling speeds.

Top manufacturers will be using the event for launches and previews including Daimler-Chrysler - three models SLR, AMG and Dodge Durango, Porsche - Carrera GT, Aston Martin - DB9, Ford - GT, F-150, Everest SUV, Ford Fiesta, Ford Forester and Lincoln Navigator SUV, Maserati - Preview of Quattroporte 2004 and Honda- launch of Jazz hatchback.

Automobiles, automotive parts, accessories and components are a multi million-dollar trade in the Middle East, which has among the highest cars-per-household ratio in the world. The continuously increasing number of vehicles on the road has created a substantial demand for garage and forecourt equipment for the service industry.